Instagram users can now add background music to carousel posts: Here’s how it works

Instagram users can now add music to their photo carousels. Here’s how you can use this new feature.

Instagram is always on the verge of updating its platform, as it wants to keep users engaged for longer than just watching short videos. While many recent tools focus on creators, a new option now allows users to add music to photo carousels. The update changes how standard photo posts appear in the feed by letting images play with background audio when someone opens the post. For regular users and creators alike, the feature offers a new way to share moments without switching to video.

Instagram now lets users add background music to photo carousels. (AFP)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

Read moreRead less

Photo carousels are one of the most popular formats on Instagram, as they allow users to share multiple images in a single post. With the addition of music, these posts can now deliver a more complete story. The music plays when viewers interact with the carousel, making the post stand out while remaining simple to create.

How to Create a Carousel Post

To begin, open the Instagram app on your phone. Tap the “+” icon at the bottom of the screen to create a new post. From the options shown, choose the standard post format.

Select Images for the Carousel

Next, select at least two photos from your gallery. These images will form the carousel that viewers can swipe through. After choosing the photos, tap “Next” to move to the editing screen.

Add Music to the Post

Instagram also allows access to saved tracks, making it easier to reuse music from earlier posts. Once selected, the chosen track will link to the carousel and play during interaction.

Share the Carousel

After adding music, complete the post by writing a caption and adding tags or location details if needed. Tap “Share” in the top-right corner to publish the post.

Once shared, the carousel appears on your profile like any other post. Followers will see it in their feeds, and the music will start playing when they open or swipe through the images. This small change gives photo posts a new role in how stories are shared on Instagram.